Service Agreement Two (2) AutoTrace 280 Systems

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through its CFAIAD office in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is soliciting a sole-source service agreement for the maintenance of two Thermo Scientific AutoTrace 280 automated solid-phase extraction instruments, identified by serial numbers 20040056 and 16120518, located at the Atlantic Coastal Sciences Branch in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The contract, identified by solicitation number 68HERF26Q0075, is issued as a Request for Quotation with a submission deadline of June 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and is to be submitted electronically via FedConnect. The base period of performance runs from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, with an option year extending through July 31, 2028, both structured as fixed-price line items that may be incrementally funded. The scope of work requires an “essential plan-sample prep” maintenance package covering standard service and one performance maintenance visit per instrument, along with corrective maintenance including field engineer labor, travel, and parts, with a target response time of three business days. Acceptance is contingent upon the vendor demonstrating continued service coverage for both instruments and the scheduled maintenance visit. Contract administration is governed by a suite of EPA-specific clauses that deviate from standard FAR provisions, including the replacement of FAR 52.212-4 with EPAAR 1552.312-4 for commercial items, and the incorporation of clauses addressing unenforceable commercial terms, option evaluation, and contract extension. Invoicing must be conducted exclusively through the U.S. Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), with full invoice acceptance or rejection required—partial payments are prohibited. Contractors must be registered in SAM with a valid Unique Entity Identifier and CAGE code, comply with all electronic representations and certifications, and maintain access to FedConnect for contract administration. The EPA prohibits contractors from engaging in activities such as preparing congressional testimony, writing position descriptions, determining agency policy, or reviewing invoices for cost reasonableness. Facility closures due to weather, funding lapses, or other directives may impact service delivery, with contractors obligated to maintain critical services and subject to price adjustments via deductions if services are curtailed. The Contracting Officer is Ross Gillingham, supported by a COR